Bhaganmandala: Bhaganmandala is a popular pilgrimage spot situated on the upstream banks of the River Kaveri and is also known as Dakshin Kashi. The temple architecture in Bhaganmandala has a strong resemblance to the Kerala style of temples with two-tiered sloping roofs. This is the place where two tributaries Kannike and Sujyoti Rivers join the Kaveri. Pilgrims throng at this confluence known as the ‘Triveni Sangama’, to take a dip and perform rituals before heading to Tala Kaveri, the origin of the River Kaveri.
The Bhagandeshwara Temple is the most popular amongst other temples situated in the vicinity that are devoted to Lord Ganesha, Subramanya and Vishnu. You can visit these temples during October and November when thousands of oil lamps are lit in the temples during festivals. It is fascinating to know that Dassera is celebrated at night where decorated chariots are on display which show how Goddess Shakti had destroyed all evils. Bhaganmandala is also famous for their bee rearing centre called Madhuvana, where you can take a tour in their in-house museum to learn more about bees and honey. There is also a state government run Apiculture Training Institute that is dedicated to the study and research on managing and maintaining colonies of honeybees. You can head towards Napoklu, which is a 9 km drive from Bettegiri (en route Bhaganmandala) to the Padi Igguthappa Temple dedicated to Lord Igguthapp, which is considered to be one of the most holy places of worship by the Kodavas.
Talakaveri: Talakaveri is the origin of the Kaveri River that flows in full strength during the monsoons. The river is looked up on by the Kodavas as their godmother, and hence Talakaveri becomes a venerated site. Talakaveri is situated 12 kms away from Bhagamandala and 47 kms from Madikeri. It’s situated on the hills of Brahmagiri close to Bhagamandala and is considered to be one of the seven holy rivers from the Sapta Sindhus mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. The temple located here is devoted to Lord Agastheeswara which symbolises the bond between Kavery (Parvathy) and Sage Agasthya. This area is popular amongst pilgrims who visit Shiva and Ganesha temples. A small water body with a tiny temple at one end greets visitors to the temple complex. This is considered the source of the holy river. Taking a dip in its holy waters particularly during Tula Sankramana in October is considered very sacred. Surrounded by dense Shola forests, the tranquil atmosphere adds to the flavor. After darshan of the origin, visitors climb the stairs to reach the main Shiva temple. The tile roof temple is reminiscent of a design seen in Southern Karnataka. Beyond the temple limits are forested slopes that are tailor made for trekking and hiking.
Chetalli: On your trip to Bhaganmandala, you can drop by at the horticultural farm at Chetalli and see a wide variety of exotic fruits and flowers. There are flower gardens, cocum and banana plantation, star fruits and mango trees to name a few). Chetalli also houses the Regional Coffee Research Station and is worth paying a visit to see the extent of research that is carried out for coffee, quality of soil and diseases related to coffee beans. Chetalli has a huge potential to become one of the future hotspots for nature tourism, so be sure to check this place out.
Dubare Elephant Training Camp: A Karnataka Forest Department initiative, Dubare Elephant Training Camp is a base which tames wild Asiatic Elephants to help the locals. It’s a sight to watch the elephants bathe and how they respond to the commands of the mahouts. The Dubare Elephant Camp has played a vital role in history, as during the King's rule in Mysore, it was at this camp, that the elephants were trained for the famous Dussera festival at Mysore. Today, the Karnataka Forest Department trains more 150 elephants, out of which Dubare is the most significant one. Apart from the elephants, you can also lovely species of birds such as partridges, peacocks, kingfishers and woodpeckers. On your trip to the Elephant Camp, you can interact with these giants by feeding and bathing them and even go for an elephant ride for a nominal fee. The best part being, the Elephant Camp has log cabins that can be booked through the District Forest Officer at Madikeri. Its quite an adventure visiting the camp as you will have to take a boat across to the island spanning 11 acres (Rs. 20 one way). Rafts can be hired at Rs 100 for a short ride. River rafting exists during monsoons (Jul – Sep) (full course Rs1,000; short course Rs 600)
Iruppu Falls: Located in the Brahmagiri Range of district Kodagu (Coorg), the Iruppu Falls is also referred to as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls. It forms the starting point of Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of Cauvery. The walk up to the Falls is very picturesque. You cross a small bridge, and walk up the muddy stairs surrounded by moss, ferns and tall trees accompanied by the sound of the gushing waters. There is a small square space with some benches kept facing the Falls for visitors to relax after the climb and enjoy the beauty of the Falls. You can choose to dip take a full body dip or just a feet dip at the cool waters of Iruppu. One is advised to be careful during monsoon due to the heavy flow, it is best to go in groups. Iruppu is a plastic free zone and littering is an offence. Iruppu also has mythological significance and is linked to the Ramayana. Legend has it that when Ram and Laxman (Lakshmana) were passing through the Brahmagiri range looking for Sita, Ram felt thirsty. To quench the elder brother’s thirst, Laxman (Lakshmana) shot an arrow into the Brahamagiri Hills resulting in this flow of water.
Plantation Hikes: There are a few Plantation Hikes that are conducted regularly in and around Coorg. These hikes take you through coffee territory, and visitors can feel the plants and the coffee beans. One of the popular ones being the Mojo Rainforest Trek that takes you on a trek to the 1,100 meter rain slope on the Western Ghats. You can contact the Coorg Wildlife Society regarding trekking options, guides and campsites to plan your treks or contact the Coorg Adventure Club to know more.
Resorts like Orange County also conduct a guided tour of a 300 acre coffee and spice plantation. This is where you get to know the difference between an Arabica and Robusta and learn about the spices of Coorg.
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